Desert camping
What makes a night in the desert different
Field notes on the dark, the quiet, the cold and the wind that set a desert night apart, and what that changes about how you camp.
Karim Belkacem3 min read
Category
Desert camping
Heat, sun and water planning.
8 articles
Desert camping
Best tent stakes for sand and loose ground
The best tent stakes for sand and loose ground are wide or long ones, plus buried anchors. Here is what holds in wind and what pulls out first.
Karim Belkacem2 min read
Desert camping
How much water per person per day when camping
A simple way to plan camping water for drinking, cooking and washing, plus a reserve, with an official hiking source and a hot-weather rule.
Karim Belkacem2 min read
Desert camping
Desert camping gear for hot-weather nights
What to pack for a desert night when the day was hot: shade, water, sleep, wind and sand, with a conditions table and what fails first.
Karim Belkacem6 min read
Desert camping
Summer vs winter desert camping: which season suits you
Summer vs winter desert camping: winter days are mild and nights get cold, while summer heat limits what you can do. Pick winter for most first trips.
Karim Belkacem4 min read
Desert camping
What to do in a sandstorm while camping in the desert
What to do in a sandstorm while camping: stop moving, face the vehicle away from the wind, cover your face, shut the tent and wait for visibility to return.
Karim Belkacem2 min read
Desert camping
How to keep a tent cool in desert heat during the day
How to keep a tent cool in desert heat: add shade, pitch for morning cover, open vents, use a light colored fly and stay out of the tent at midday.
Karim Belkacem5 min read
Desert camping
Heat exhaustion vs heat stroke while camping: what to do
Heat exhaustion vs heat stroke while camping: heavy sweating and weakness is exhaustion, while confusion and hot dry skin is an emergency. Cool and call.
Karim Belkacem2 min read